Abstract:
UNC musicologist Annegret Fauser completed a study on the power of classical music during World War Two. In her research, the federal government used music to combat Nazi propaganda and to serve as a form of therapy for soldiers. Her analysis of Library of Congress archives described efforts to recruit musicians, performers, and composers for army duty. Fauser found that for some people who were too old to enlist or get drafted, touring as a musician was a substitute for combat duty.